1/05/2012

December was a month of ups and downs for the Pens' blueline. The Pens saw a total of 10 defensemen seeing at least some playing time throughout the month. We lost Robert Bortuzzo and Paul Martin to injury. Deryk Engelland was suspended for three games (definitely questionable, but that is another story). Letang did not play at all throughout the month. However, we did see Lovejoy and Michalek return to the lineup, and saw several Baby Pens come up and hold their own. Here is my recap of the last few games of the month and the stats for each player.

Pens vs. Jets 12/23 (W 4-1)-Picard earned his fourth assist on the goal from Vitale.-Michalek returned to the lineup in this game and gave a solid performance.-This was the first game of Engelland's three game suspension he served.-Strait was recalled for this game, but he did not play.-Fleury stopped 18 out of 19 shots.-Michalek led the team with five blocked shots.-Niskanen led the defense with four shots on goal.-Orpik led the defense with 21:23 in ice time. Staal led the team in ice time with 21:59.

Pens vs. Hurricanes 12/27 (W 4-2)-Michalek earned his fourth assist on the goal from Dupuis.-Minus the turnover from Michalek that led to a Carolina goal, the defense put up a pretty good effort in this game.-This was yet another game where the Pens managed to keep the opponent under 20 shots on goal.-Fleury stopped 16 out of 18 shots.-Michalek led the team again with four blocked shots.-Lovejoy led the defense with four shots on goal.-Orpik led the team in ice time with 22:38.

Pens vs. Flyers 12/29 (L 4-2)-Despres earned his third assist on the goal from Kennedy.-Overall this was a poor performance by the defense. The Flyers just dominated in all aspects of this game. Orpik and Niskanen especially struggled in this game, and you have to wonder if the increased ice time they've been seeing is starting to wear on them.-Fleury stopped 19 out of 22 shots.-Michalek led the team with four blocked shots.-Niskanen led the defense with three shots on goal.-Orpik led again in ice time with 23:36

Pens vs. Devils 12/31 (L 3-1)-This was Engelland's first game back after his suspension. He missed most of the first period after taking a shot off his leg. Regardless of that, he gave a good effort on the ice.-With Engelland's return, Picard was sent back down to the Baby Pens after playing 10 games with the team in the month of December.-Niskanen earned his 13th assist on the goal from Kunitz.-Fleury stopped 18 out of 20 shots.-Engelland led the team with two blocked shots.-Niskanen led the defense with two shots on goal.-Orpik led the defense in ice time with 23:43. Malkin led the team in ice time with 23:59.

December Stats

Leader of each category will be bolded.

Orpik

GP: 13

Points: 0G 3A

SOG: 7

BS: 20

Hits: 43

Average Ice Time: 22:45

+/- (-1)

Niskanen

GP: 13

Points: 1G 9A

SOG: 30

BS: 17

Hits: 20

Average Ice Time: 21:10

+/- (+1)

Despres

GP: 13

Points: 1G 3A

SOG: 16

BS: 15

Hits: 16

Average Ice Time: 15:27

+/- (+4)

Picard

GP: 10

Points: 0G 4A

SOG: 8

BS: 7

Hits: 10

Average Ice Time: 13:20

+/- (-1)

Engelland

GP: 8

Points: 1G 1A

SOG: 5

BS: 15

Hits: 17

Average Ice Time: 19:14

+/- (+1)

Martin

GP: 7

Points: 1G 1A

SOG: 6

BS: 8

Hits: 2

Average Ice Time: 26:02

+/- (+1)

Lovejoy

GP: 5

Points: 0G 1A

SOG: 8

BS: 6

Hits: 4

Average Ice Time: 16:52

+/- (+1)

Michalek

GP: 4

Points: 0G 1A

SOG: 3

BS: 13

Hits: 2

Average Ice Time: 20:33

+/- (+2)

Bortuzzo

GP: 4

Points: 0

SOG: 2

BS: 1

Average Ice Time: 11:01

+/- (+1)

Sneep

1 game played, 1 assist

Let's hope this new year brings some new luck for the Pens and the injury bug gives the team a break. Let's Go Pens!